Children’s Sleep Issue
Children’s Sleep Issue
Good quality sleep is essential for everyone. Studies have shown that children who regularly get an adequate amount of good quality sleep have better attention, behaviour, ability to learn, memory, and overall mental and physical health then those who do not. Children who do not get enough sleep can experience sleepiness during the day, have behavioural problems which may crop up in school, even have difficulties with learning. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression or increased anxiety over time.
What is the recommended amount of sleep a child should get?
It varies based on age, but according to The American Academy of Paediatrics, they recommend:
- Infants under 1 year: 12-16 hours
- Children 1-2 years old: 11-14 hours
- Children 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours
- Children 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours
- Teenagers 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours
Sleeping problems can be sometimes fixed by very easy and cost free solutions.
Examples of Easy Solutions
- Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and should not be under-rated. The routine should ideally start at the same time every night, from the time they start to “wind down”.
- Dim the lights in the evening during the winter, and close the curtains during the summer.
- Stop use of all electronics/screens at least an hour before bed.
- Take a warm bath or shower.
- Do a quiet family activity such as reading a short book or making a list of things to be grateful for.
- If your child wakes up during the night, walk them back to their room with as little commotion and verbal interaction as possible.
- Set a wake up time for when the child is allowed to leave his or her room. The child can play quietly until that time if desired.
What if none of this works, how can I help you?
- Establish the cause for the sleep issues, for example, is it habit, stress, diet related or something else such as an on-going condition like autism?
- Look at their diet and implement positive changes which your child will be happy with.
- Based on my findings, I will draw up a treatment plan that you the parent will be able to work with and your child will be happy to go along with.
- Natural medicines, such as herbs or essential oils can be prescribed.
How long is the Average Treatment?
It is difficult to determine how long it will take any individual to start seeing results, it usually depends on the following:
- How you react to herbs
- Your compliance to taking the herbs and making the recommended changes
- How long you have had the condition
- The severity of the condition
What you need to do?
Please be prepared that it takes time for the herbs to work. Herbal medicine does not work like pharmaceutical drugs. They often require some time, especially as they tend to work gently and subtly. This is not a quick fix.
Please be willing to work with me, take the medication as prescribed and make the changes which are attainable as well as practical.